While numbers remain solid, there has been no great increase in the last three weeks or so.

Weanlings are still in very low supply, with just a handful of special sales catering for small numbers of strong autumn-born calves, while calf numbers have completely teetered off and are yet to be replaced by any meaningful supply of runners.

The stock type that does appear to be increasing in number is forward and finished type beef bullocks.

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On the MartBids system this week, 33% of bullocks tipped the scale at 600kg or more, while a further 24% sat between 500kg and 600kg, a market share of 57%.

Finished and forward heifer numbers are tighter; lots weighing above 500kg accounted for 42% of the total numbers passing through the ring, with bullock numbers 33% higher than heifers.

Looking at the MartBids table this week, this information feeds through. While average heifer price has changed very little, heifers in the top third have risen by 5c/kg to 14c/kg.

Comparatively, average bullock price has fallen by 4c/kg to 14c/kg, save for those under 400kg lots that see no change.

Both the top and bottom third have taken similar hits, with prices back 5c/kg to 16c/kg, except for lighter bullocks.

Weather has to be having an impact as well. Growth rates have fallen rapidly, with grass finishers introducing meal earlier or, in some extreme cases, having to house cattle.

In both cases, second-cut silage yields are either back or being eaten in silage or grazing form. With no great deluge of rain in the forecast for the coming week, greater uncertainty about fodder supplies in the south and east remain, generally home to some of the larger finishers.

Mart managers reported strong northern activity across the last week and it is hoped that this will continue for sellers to steady the ship.

Weanlings

As mentioned, weanling numbers are low, but keen shipper demand is still being seen ringside.

The departure of two boats of late from larger exporters should see those vying for numbers again soon, but it’s quality bulls that are making the money.

The magic band of 300kg to 400kg saw a price lift of 20c/kg to cross the €5/kg threshold for the first time in many weeks, while the top third of bulls quality-wise rose by 41c/kg to sit at €5.94/kg, itchingly close to €6/kg.

Even comparing the two quality classes, we see a 93c/kg difference, with managers reporting that next to all bulls of this quality are going to whatever shippers are present on the day.

Bulls in the bottom third of this weight bracket are back close to €4/kg. The difference between a top-quality bull and a lower-end bull of the same weight, taking 370kg as an example, is now sitting at €695.

In the cull cow ring, prices have eased slightly as well. Average price has dipped down to €2.98/kg, a fall of 13c/kg.

Top-end cows fell by 12c/kg to €3.60/kg, while poorer-quality cows averaged €2.32/kg, down 12c/kg on last week.